“Give counsel; grant justice; make your shade like night at the height of noon; shelter the outcasts; do not reveal the fugitive; let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. - Isaiah 16:3-4

For more than 30 years, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has been collaborating with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS) in their humanitarian mission of the resettlement of refugees in the United States. In affiliation with Migration & Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, diocesan staff members provide refugee resettlement services.

This Refugee Settlement program is appropriate for anyone with refugee status who is in need of immigration services and resettlement casework. Multipe languages are available, including: English, Spanish, Kpelle, Madingo, Trigrinya, Amharic, Creole (French and Portuguese), and Arabic.

The application process varies depending on the immigration status of the individual. The Department of Immigration requires fees, and the diocesan office has a fee schedule for the services provided. The financial situation of the client is considered. Fees are based on the individual’s income, and payment plans are available.

Community Impact

In 2017, Catholic Social Services of RI served 55 refugees and continues to serve them with various social assistance activites.